PPP/C’s excellent stewardship of national affairs

GUYANA stands today poised on the threshold of greatness; if only the nation’s destructive elements would stay their hands and stop making the Guyanese people the ‘collateral damage’ of their power-seeking histrionics; and it is fitting that, as the PPP/C celebrates its 22nd year in government, one reflects on its achievements thus far.The current administration has undoubtedly provided excellent stewardship in Guyana over the years of the Party being the first democratically elected government since Independence. Since 1992, things have become so much better, that most of the people take the existing benefits and improved services for granted. The greatest gift to the people of Guyana from the PPP/Civic however, is freedom.

This means freedom from political dictatorship; from domination by a small clique bent on racial and political oppression; social marginalisation and the widespread violation of human rights. The PPP/Civic, led by Father of the Nation, Dr Cheddi Jagan, won the first free and fair elections after decades, in October 1992, and put a stop to consistently rigged elections by the PNC, now re-configured as APNU. Free and Fair elections in Guyana were won by the PPP being in the vanguard of that struggle.

Besides free and fair elections, there is due process of law, respect for the Constitution of the Republic, strict observance of human rights, freedom of association, freedom of expression, full freedom to travel, and unfettered freedom of worship.
Under the PPP-Civic Administration, the national economy has performed well, generating positive GDP in most years. Guyana today has substantial foreign reserves, single digit inflation, booming economic indicators, a thriving construction industry and sector, bumper rice harvests, increasing exports of agricultural produce, along with timber and mining products. A new wave of prosperity has gripped the hinterland, largely where gold mining is concerned.

Government’s sustained battle at home and overseas to rescue the sugar industry against formidable odds is being gradually won, despite the constraints and occasional hiccups. Massive gains are being made in the fishing sector, as well as the manufacturing sector. The commercial banking sector is thriving and expanding and is solvent in every way.
Apart from the looming threat of FATF blacklisting because of Opposition recalcitrance in supporting the vital money laundering bill, there is no economic crisis in Guyana under the PPP/Civic Government and the country has largely escaped the economic downturn that is still gripping most of the world, caused by recession in the USA, Western Europe and Japan. Through the instrumentality and vision of the Government, Guyana has been spared the ravages of foreign recession.

Today the ordinary people are better housed, better clothed, better fed, better educated; are provided with better medical and health services and are better paid where wages and salaries are concerned. The transport system is rising to the challenges posed by increasing numbers of people acquiring vehicles of their own, with which to commute daily. Our highways are being overhauled and expanded to 4-lane status.
In addition, sustained efforts are being made to overcome flooding caused by seasonal rainfall and the inadequacy of drainage systems, taking into consideration, huge swaths of land under cultivation, animal husbandry, housing schemes and industrial estates. It is confidently expected that the Hope Canal, now under construction, will help to put an end to this flooding problem in the agriculturally strategic East Coast Demerara area.
Social harmony and tolerance in Guyana have been nurtured and are being encouraged in all spheres of life. All our people, especially our Amerindian brothers and sisters, are an integral part of our development agenda and share equally in the nation’s prosperity.
The rights of and opportunities for our women have been expanded and are celebrated here and aboard as a model. The protection of our children and the enhanced welfare of our elderly and other vulnerable groups are today among the proud achievements for our country.

In the international sphere, including the United Nations and other such agencies, Guyana’s reputation is considerable. Under the PPP/Civic Administration, Guyana has maintained cordial relations with our next door neighbours (Brazil, Suriname, Venezuela) and further afield (U.S.A., UK, Canada, India, Russia, China, Japan). Cordial relations and economic ties have been forged with influential Middle East and African countries, even as we deepen ties with South and Central Americas. Guyana’s work in advancing initiatives such as the Low Carbon Development Strategy has won our country and people international accolades and greater respect.

It is a known fact that several main developmental initiatives have been stymied by the joint Opposition, especially the massive hydro electric project at Amaila Falls, which was intended to lay the foundation for major industrial take-offs in the economy and to secure Guyana’s unchallenged superiority in the Region, where industrial productivity is concerned. It was projected that, coupled with this project, should oil and gas be found, the social and economic situation for the Guyanese people would be tremendously enhanced. Further, with the modernisation of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the construction of the Marriott Hotel project, Guyana’s prospect for tourism and other long standing potential will be realised.

Guyana today has never been so advanced and well-positioned as one of the Region’s shining examples of good governance.